Speed kills.
When the Houston Texans have speed, they kill.
Wide receiver Will Fuller has that speed. On Thursday, in return from a hamstring strain, he used it to toy with the Indianapolis Colts’ defense en route to a 20-17 win.
Fuller recorded six receptions for 140 yards in the win, with two catches being over 40 yards. His 51-yard reception, with an air distance of 59.4 yards, was the third-deepest completion of the season, per NFL Next Gen Stats.
“Will, he’s just a really dynamic receiver,” said coach Bill O’Brien on Friday. “He’s got really good speed and he’s a great route runner.”
Fuller’s speed, route-running and improved hands make the Texans offense into one of unstoppability. However, they are stoppable, in large part when he doesn’t play — which is often.
Since he arrived in the league in 2016, Fuller has missed 20 out of 59 eligible games due to a torn ACL, hamstring pulls, rib and shoulder injuries, among others.
“The deal with Will, and Will knows — if Will was standing up here right now it’s always health. Just being healthy and being able to be out there, Will is going to make plays because he can run, he’s improved his hands over the years,” said O’Brien.
Fuller’s speed and developing game make for a target Deshaun Watson can’t miss. In 2019, Watson has a 102.8 passer rating when targeting Fuller. The wide-out has 41 receptions for 590 yards and three touchdowns on the season.
“Just like Hop (DeAndre Hopkins), Deshaun (Watson) has a lot of trust in Will. The throw that Deshaun made to Will on the 51-yard reception, that was incredible route and throw,” said O’Brien. “So, those guys have a lot of trust in each other and Will is a big part of this offense when he’s out there.”
Luckily, for the Texans, Fuller is healthy. Unluckily for the New England Patriots, whom Houston hosts next week, he is healthy.
